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Winemaker's Notes:

For people who appreciate wine without the pretense, Smoking Loon is the full-bodied California varietal wine that celebrates independent character and a Bohemian personality by going beyond a single plot of land or a château, to explore the best vineyards in each vintage through our négociant relationships.

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To Don Sebastiani and Sons, family is clearly an important aspect of winemaking. While Don Sebastiani and Sons wasn’t founded until 2001, Samuele Sebastiani created a winery in 1904, and started growing the company, as well as the town of Sonoma. Over the years, the winery changed hands many times, but it always stayed within the family. By 2000, the winery was producing eig... Read more

To Don Sebastiani and Sons, family is clearly an important aspect of winemaking. While Don Sebastiani and Sons wasn’t founded until 2001, Samuele Sebastiani created a winery in 1904, and started growing the company, as well as the town of Sonoma. Over the years, the winery changed hands many times, but it always stayed within the family. By 2000, the winery was producing eight million cases of wine a year. However, at that time, Don Sebastiani sold many of the assets and kept only the family brand and the Sonoma winery and vineyards. Though he stepped down as CEO and Chairman in 2000, that wasn’t the end for him. In 2001, he and his sons, Donny and August, founded Don Sebastiani and Sons, eventually growing production back up to two million cases annually.
Today, Greg Kitchens and Michelle McClendon, winemakers for Don Sebastiani and Sons, strive to produce high-end wine at affordable prices. They don’t just source grapes from California - they’ve also formed partnerships to create Australian and Chilean blends, further expanding the company’s reach and complexity. Read less

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A very good choice for budget buyers. Bold, fruity: what you want in a Cabernet. It's not refined by any means; nor, for that matter, is it subtle. But it's a good buy for a Friday night home with the missus.

A delicious budget buy at $9 on sale ($11 sticker). Have it with a meal - this inexpensive red pairs well with steak and compliments cheese wonderfully. Or drink it alone - it's clean flavors and medium dry character leaves the pallate wanting more.

Dark plum color with a nose reminiscent of black cherries with a touch of cinnamon and cloves. Brimming with ripe raspberry and blackberry fruit with a touch of white pepper and dill; this Cabernet Sauvignon finishes with notes of currants and strawberry rhubarb pie filling. - Winery

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of raspberry, dark plum, and fresh oregano frame this Cabernet’s soft fruit with a light herbaceousness. Showing great varietal character on the palate, flavors of blackberry and red currant are closely followed by toasty French oak and a nuance of molasses on the mid-palate, adding weight and depth. Finishing with lingering crushed red berry and savory notes, the light tannins on the back end open up a variety of food pairing options. All together, the rich mouthfeel and fine structure creates balance in this wine that connoisseurs and novices alike will enjoy.

For people who appreciate wine without the pretense, Smoking Loon is the full-bodied California varietal wine that celebrates independent character and a Bohemian personality by going beyond a single plot of land or a château, to explore the best vineyards in each vintage through our négociant relationships.